Large left varicocele in a patient with portal hypertension treated via transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement and both variceal and varicocele embolization

Abstract

BackgroundScrotal swelling from varicocele is a common complaint in adult men. Varicocele due to portosystemic collaterals is a rare presentation of portal hypertension. Imaging workup and intervention for varicocele in this case is more complex than varicocele due to absent or incompetent valves in the testicular veins and pampiniform plexus.Case presentationWe present the case of a 53-year-old man with alcohol-related cirrhosis presented with persistent left scrotal heaviness, pain, and swelling found to have a large left varicocele. Given his history of cirrhosis, a contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis was obtained showing that the varices were supplied by a vessel arising from the splenic vein and draining into the left renal vein as well as gastric varices. Varicocele embolization alone is not sufficient in this case, and we treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, variceal and varicocele embolization.ConclusionIn patients presenting with a varicocele with a history of cirrhosis/portal hypertension, cross sectional imaging of the abdomen and pelvis should be obtained prior to treatment to evaluate for the presence of varices which may be pressured by varicocele embolization. If present, consideration should be given to referral to an interventional radiologist for possible concurrent variceal embolization and TIPS placement.